Foreign-Trade Zone

International Trade Advantages

Battle Creek offers convenience to companies conducting international trade by offering the efficient services of U.S. Customs Port of Entry and Foreign-Trade Zone #43 (FTZ) right in the Fort Custer Industrial Park, making it even easier to compete in the global marketplace.

Foreign and domestic merchandise may be admitted into foreign-trade zones for storage, exhibition, assembly, manufacture, production, and processing, without formal customs entry procedures, the payment of customs duties, or the payment of federal excise taxes. These benefits help stimulate U.S. employment, attract foreign investment, and improve the export competitiveness of U.S.-based companies.

The Port of Battle Creek, Michigan, is an uncongested inland port of entry, where imports clear customs in a timely manner. Unlike larger coastal ports, goods may arrive in the morning, be cleared by U.S. Customs, then move to the factory floor by afternoon. The Port of Battle Creek is midway between Detroit and Chicago on the I-94 transportation corridor. Sixty-percent of both U.S. and Canadian consumer markets can be reached by overnight shipping from Battle Creek.

The Port of Battle Creek brings nearly forty years of service to the Southwest Michigan region. Two full-time U.S. Customs personnel serve the port and W.K. Kellogg Airport, allowing for convenient clearances of international aircraft arrivals.

With assistance from FTZ 43 at the Port of Battle Creek, a Foreign-Trade Zone designation may be accomplished within 30 days at the existing site. Businesses within the 14 county service area of FTZ 43 have no need to relocate their operations to take advantage of FTZ services. The 14 counties include: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Clinton, Hillsdale, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Jackson, Ottawa, St. Joseph and Van Buren.

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